Observations Upon the Oral Mucosa of the African

The oral cavity, quite apart from those structures properly included in the realm of dentistry, is of great clinical importance, for it lends itself readily to inspection and examination and, like the eye, can reflect the presence of disease in other regions. This note describes methods of examination and the findings thereof which, although simple, have yet been found of use in diagnosis, and to some degree in following the course of certain systemic diseases, particularly of malnutrition. It is to be emphasised that as the meaning and significance of these observations are still obscure, and much further inquiry is necessary for their clarification, theoretical considerations and implications will not be discussed. The mucosae of the oral cavity to be considered are (a) the lingual mucosa; (b) the buccal mucosa.

A CAJM article on dentistry as practiced in Botswana (formerly Bechuanaland Protectorate) in the 1950's Africa.